Parents shouldn’t have to visit a hospital just so their child can eat. Sadly, this is the situation currently affecting thousands of Australian families who tube-feed their children.

Child feeding disorders can be caused by conditions such as premature birth, cancer, heart disease, cerebral palsy, cleft palate and autism. When children are unable to safely eat or drink to ensure their healthy growth and development, they need to be fed by a tube passed into the stomach or intestines.  

The challenges of tube feeding at home 

While hospitals provide critical care and training, most mealtimes happen outside of clinic hours without doctors, nurses or medical support. Often a single caregiver takes responsibility for tube feeding, which can be demanding, and at times overwhelming.   

Tube-feeding has its risks and requires confidence. It can feel daunting for parents and carers to learn the skills they need to keep their child alive. Many parents and carers report feeling lonely and isolated by their experience.

A world where children with feeding disorders thrive 

This need is what inspired former SCHF-funded Fellow Dr Chris Elliot, who co-founded the SUCCEED Child Feeding Alliance.  

SUCCEED's vision is a world where children with feeding disorders thrive. SUCCEED’s principles are to be guided by families, for families, especially in helping families new to feeding difficulties benefit from the experience of those who have already lived through them. 

How SUCCEED is supporting parents and caregivers 

Thanks to generous funding from Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Foundation (SCHF) and the SCHF Greenlight Program, the SUCCEED team continue to collaborate with families, clinicians and researchers around Australia to understand and bridge the gap between current care and brilliant care for families who tube feed.  

Through this collaboration, SUCCEED has launched Australia’s first-ever research-informed online resource for families of tube-fed children, created new communities of experience and expertise, and continue to develop research-informed online resources in different languages.  

They have launched training workshops to support caregivers in learning how to safely tube feed while making meals fun for the child and family members, reclaiming the joy of mealtimes again.

A future where no parent feels alone 

The SUCCEED team has a bold vision to support parents and carers around the world to gain confidence and become part of a community of shared experience. Ultimately this will reduce the number of hospitalisations needed for tube-fed children and relieve some of the challenges caregivers and children face. 

Your support helps bring these vital programs to life. Donate today to help families of tube-fed children feel confident, connected and cared for.